​The White Sox will begin the 2026 MLB draft by selecting No. 1 overall at noon CT on Saturday, choosing from three standout prospects: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, and Fort Worth Christian (Texas) H.S. shortstop Grady Emerson. We’re diving into each of these players as the White Sox, in their third-ever No. 1 pick, weigh their options.
Vahn Lackey wasn’t considered the frontrunner for the top pick at the start of spring, but after one of the strongest seasons in college baseball, the Georgia Tech catcher has surged to the forefront and now sits squarely in the White Sox’s crosshairs. Rumors have circulated that Lackey is the preferred choice of the team’s brain trust, a signal that he could be the long-term impact player Chicago seeks at one of baseball’s most demanding positions.
Chicago came to draft day connected to several credible candidates, and opting for a catcher over the more common shortstop route would mark a deliberate strategic move. If the White Sox believe Lackey is the right fit, he could deliver a transformative impact at catcher—a position with enormous value and scope for growth. Lackey’s profile blends a sophisticated offensive approach, exceptional defensive abilities behind the plate, and unusual athleticism, giving Chicago another premium building block to anchor a franchise.
Drafting a catcher with the top pick is not a decision teams make lightly, but when the fit is right, the payoff can be massive. That’s the frame in which the White Sox view Lackey: a player who could redefine a franchise at a position deemed one of the most valuable in the game. For an organization focused on athleticism, elite defensive skill sets, and high baseball IQ throughout its rebuild, selecting Lackey would feel like a natural extension of that philosophy. He isn’t just a catcher; he’s regarded by many evaluators as one of the class’s best all-around athletes. Although his college career was spent primarily behind the plate, Lackey’s versatility is routinely noted—he has shown enough athleticism to handle multiple spots if needed. In fact, during a March 10 game against West Georgia, he played eight positions besides pitcher, showcasing his fielding range and athleticism. In that same game, he went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and a homer, underscoring his offensive potential while demonstrating his willingness to contribute in a variety of ways.
Lackey’s path to the No. 1 pick wasn’t conventional. He didn’t receive his first Division I scholarship offer until his senior year of high school, after a late growth spurt reshaped his projection and outlook. He carried that momentum into Georgia Tech, where he faced a rocky freshman season but quickly emerged as one of college baseball’s premier backstops. Entering the draft after his junior year, Lackey would become the fifth Georgia Tech catcher to be selected in the first round.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior delivered a standout 2026 season, posting numbers that reinforced his status as a top-tier prospect. While the specifics of his statistical line are numerous, the overarching story is clear: Lackey’s combination of offensive bite, defensive polish, and exceptional athletic upside position him as a potential franchise-changing catcher at the game’s highest level. As the draft unfolds, the White Sox will be tasked with deciding whether this remarkable all-around talent is the best long-term investment to anchor their roster for years to come.